Photo by Chad Prahl

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
21 Feb - 23 Feb
In two weeks
28 Feb - 2 Mar
In one month
14 Mar - 16 Mar
In two months
11 Apr - 13 Apr

Compare 41 Hostels in Santa Elena with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Socialtel La Fortuna
Pool

Socialtel La Fortuna

3.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (191)
"Beautiful property, garden, pool, and restaurant area. My room was nice and clean, front desk was always helpful with guidance, and arranging trips. Overall a good experience "
The price is AED 247
AED 279 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Socialtel La Fortuna
Socialtel Monteverde
Pool

Socialtel Monteverde

3.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (132)
"This property is also called the lodge that is right across the street from the parking for the cloudy mist Forest. If you are going to the forest this is an excellence place to spend the night the night before that way you have easy access in the morning. Get breakfast is also excellent and advisable to add to your room for the night stay."
The price is AED 215
AED 243 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Socialtel Monteverde
Hostel La Choza Inn
Garden

Hostel La Choza Inn

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (191)
"The place was great. Easy to get into. No hassle. Doing the QR code for wifi is great too."
The price is AED 162
AED 183 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Feb - 28 Feb
Hostel La Choza Inn
Poshtel Arenal
Pool

Poshtel Arenal

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (180)
"Great location and service!"
The price is AED 239
AED 270 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb
Poshtel Arenal
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Room

Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (12)
"They didn't clean my room during my 3 day stay but it was a decent place to stay, and cheap in a country that is expensive, I would stay again"
The price is AED 116
AED 131 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
coati del arenal
Front of property

coati del arenal

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (2)
"Pros: refrigerator, 2nd floor (bars on windows, blinds, and locks on windows/doors), parking, A/C in the bedroom, additional blankets, towels provided, sugar, tea/coffee and basic cooking utensils. Lots of facecloths in the bathroom. Soap dispensers. Geckos (they were cute). Walkable to downtown/restaurants. Kind hosts. Responsive and proactive - replaced towels, and recommended driving through Rio Celeste to get to the location from Liberia airport as it’s a safer roadway. We understood...
coati del arenal
Hostel Cattleya
Room

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (41)
"We had a 2 bedroom appartment. Spotlessly clean, kitchen very well equipped. Parking out front. Stayed for two nights. Could not ask for a better place. Highly recommended."
The price is AED 73
AED 83 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Hostel Cattleya
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Terrace/patio

Hotel Sloth Backpackers

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Host was real friendly and very helpful "
The price is AED 230
AED 260 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (72)
"Great place to stay! Staff very knowledgeable of the area and willing to help. My room was very nice. Night winds were high so it was a bit loud. Nothing the hotel can change, just part of the area. Just something to be aware of in the area."
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Hostel SantaFe
Room

Hostel SantaFe

2.0 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (15)
"Overall a great place to stay! The showers in the room I stayed at were kind of weird and looked broken but for the price, I will take it any day. They have wonderful service and a guitar which I was able to play while I was not doing anything. I would totally recommend it. "
The price is AED 125
AED 141 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb
Hostel SantaFe
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (76)
"Mother & daughter hosts are a delight and ready to assist you with all your adventuring needs. Assisting with bookings, tours, transport, advice, directions, dining queries - super lovely and kind. The accommodation is perfectly located. So convent to Santa Elena - grocery store 5 mins, food, shops- perfection.👌 The amenities are what you’d imagine for the affordability but certainty not without a feeling of local charm. Hosts have provided all one needs and are quick to assist if there is...
The price is AED 157
AED 178 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Feb - 20 Feb
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Hiking

Arenal Sloth Hostel

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
"Great hostel situated in a nice neighbourhood, 5 minutes walk from the centre including the supermarkets and bus terminal (the centre is frankly not as pleasant as the suburbs). Rooms have secure key codes, and lockers are situated in the communal kitchen which is large, clean and well equipped. Everything was good. Would recommend."
The price is AED 239
AED 270 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
Arenal Sloth Hostel
Río Danta Hostel
Front of property

Río Danta Hostel

1.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3)
"Very nice hostel for a very reasonable price. I would recommend this hostel for other travelers"
The price is AED 130
AED 147 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
Río Danta Hostel
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Terrace/patio

Alpha Arenal - Hostel

1.0 star property
Alpha Arenal - Hostel
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Room

Hotel La Cascada - Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (5)
"We had a wonderful time. We visited La Fortuna years ago and since we’ve been back, many things have changed. We liked Cascada because it gave us the experience we had before; a modest and humble place where you see true Tic@ hospitality "
Hotel La Cascada - Hostel
Asha Hostel
Interior

Asha Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (4)
"The reception was very nice, it felt very safe and clean"
The price is AED 220
AED 249 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
Asha Hostel
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Room

Arenal Backpackers Resort

2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (10)
"Loved this backpackers! Super cool rooms, and the view is excellent looking straight at the Arenal volcano! Awesome pool and bar right on property and downtown is so walkable from the front of the property! "
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Restaurant

Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (11)
"Great location, Staff is friendly and helpful! reasonably priced"
Arenal Poshpacker - Hostel
Little Paradise Hostel
Exterior

Little Paradise Hostel

2.0 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (3)
"Alexandra is an amazing host. She was very accommodating, warm and helpful. She even brought us bread and pinto gallo in the morning. LIttle Paradise is well situated and all the major sights (La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde) are at most an hour drive away. The property is scenic and vast, with a beautiful view of the lake. Alexandra has big plans for the future too - a restaurant, spa and more. My travel buddy and I agree that we would have been happy to stay 2 weeks at Little Paradise -...
Little Paradise Hostel
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Shared kitchen

Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel

1.0 star property
6.0 out of 10, (2)
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Other property types in Santa Elena

Suwa Villa Arenal
Front of property

Suwa Villa Arenal

3.5 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (45)
"Great place to stay"
The price is AED 466
AED 527 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Suwa Villa Arenal
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Living room

Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines

3.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (376)
"The property is beautiful. The trails up to the lookout are great and it is a wonderful view. It is walking distance to town and has a great cafe across the street."
The price is AED 520
AED 587 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Feb - 26 Feb
Los Pinos Cabanas y Jardines
Villas Fortuna Boutique
Front of property

Villas Fortuna Boutique

4.5 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (41)
"Friendly owner and property has nice vibe especially at night. Pool and covered bar area were very nice"
The price is AED 386
AED 436 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Villas Fortuna Boutique
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
By choosing a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and use more of your budget for going out during your stay. We’ve heard good things about this destination’s natural setting, including its gardens and forests.
What is a hostel?
No two hostels look exactly the same, but these dorm-style accommodations all have shared rooms (though many have private options too), budget-friendly prices, and a social setting.
What are the best hostels in Santa Elena?
Ready to book a hostel? These ones have the highest reviews from our guests and could be a good place to look first: Hostel Cattleya - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, showers, and bed sheets. Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel - Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and a bar. You’ll find towels, showers, and hair dryers in all rooms. Hotel Sloth Backpackers - Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a restaurant. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms. Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel - You can take advantage of free WiFi and tour assistance, as well as a TV in a common area. You’ll find towels, showers, and bed sheets in all rooms.
How many hostels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable to stay in Santa Elena, one of Expedia’s 12 hostels could be a great choice for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Santa Elena?
Good weather’s always better when you’re discovering new places, so here’s some information that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually March and February with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 79°F. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June, and September, with each month seeing an average of 19 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Santa Elena?
Overall, Santa Elena is known for its flowers, many birds, and forests. Major attractions include Arenal Volcano National Park. Get out into nature with places like Monteverde Orchid Garden, Jardín de Orquídeas, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Cultural attractions include Ecomuseo de las Minas de Abangares.
What's the best way to get to and around Santa Elena while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in Santa Elena in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), 17.4 mi (28 km) from the city center. An alternative is Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away.